How to Calculate a Tip and Split the Bill

A quick guide to tipping percentages, working out the tip in your head, and splitting a bill evenly across the table. Free calculator.

Updated 2 min read By CodingEagles
Free tool Tip Calculator Tip, total and per-person split for any bill. Open tool

Splitting a bill and working out a tip is the kind of math that always seems to land when everyone is full and nobody wants to think. A quick method — or a calculator — saves the table from the awkward shuffle.

TL;DR — Enter the bill, slide to a tip percent, and set the number of people in the tip calculator to get the total and the per-person split.

How much to tip

In the US, the usual range for table service is 15% to 20%, with 18% a comfortable middle. Exceptional service might earn more; poor service less. Counter service, takeout and delivery each have their own norms, generally lower than full table service. Outside the US, tipping customs vary widely — in some countries service is already included.

The mental shortcut

To tip roughly 20%, take 10% of the bill (just move the decimal one place) and double it. A $80 bill: 10% is $8, double it for a $16 tip. For 15%, take that 10% and add half of it again. It is close enough for a restaurant and quick enough to do before the card machine arrives.

Splitting fairly

Once you have the total with tip, dividing by the number of people gives the per-person share. The tip calculator does the tip, the total and the split in one step — and shows the tip per person too, which is handy when everyone is chipping in separately.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I tip?
In the US, 15–20% for sit-down table service is standard, with 18% a common middle ground. Counter service, delivery and other settings have their own norms.
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Either is acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax bill is standard; tipping on the post-tax total is slightly more generous. Use whichever bill figure you prefer.

Ready to try it?

Tip, total and per-person split for any bill. Free, in-browser, and 100% private — your data never leaves your device.

Open the Tip Calculator